Cleaner



W. S. JOHNSON Aug. 20, 1935.

CLEANER Filed March 21, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ll n F W 6. doH/vao/v W Au 20, 1935. w s JOH'N N 2,011,975

CLEANER Filed March 21, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 43 a; .34 43 I T amen W04 14 S. .do /vso/v WWW mg. 20, 1935. w. s. JOHNSON 2,011,975

CLEANER Filed March 21, 1933 s Sheets-Sheet s W 5. dowvso/v I conveniently.

Patented Aug. 1935 Lone- .IPAI-TENT OFFICE I 2,011,975; l CLEANER I William s. Johnson, Boise, ra h jf, I Application MarchZl, 193s, seam;a1,9 i 9.01am. (oi2 i 5 2a1 Q My invention relates to a cleanmg device; I

An important object of the invention is to provide a device ofthe abovementionedcharacter, having a large number ofuses, such as cleaning automobile upholstery, furniture upholstery, hats, clothing, drapes, tapestry,.handbags, luggage-suede shoes, spats, window shades, paintings, books, book-covers, chair seats and backs, formedof leather, fabric, or cane, and the like. A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the aboveeme'ntioned character, so;

constructed that the cleaning element will ,be properly supported in use, whereby the cleaning element will bodily flex, to accommodate itself to the surface'being' cleaned. I I i I A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the cleaning element may be applied to the headfof A further object of the invention is to provide simple and reliable means for securing the cleaning element to the head and core of the device. I A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above-mentioned 'chara'ctenhav-Y- ing one or more squarecleaning elements, which may be applied in four ways to the head and core, thereby increasing the life of the cleaning element and rendering the same more 'eiilcient.

A furtherobject of the invention is to so'construct the, cleaning element holding member or clamp, that the same is interchangeable, in a single or double device embodying two of such holding members. I Other objects and advantages of the, invention will be apparent during the course of the follow ing description. c T

In the accompanying drawing, forminga part of this specification, and in which, like numerals are employed to designate like partsthroughout the same, f i

- Figure 1 is a side elevation of -acleaning device embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the same, Figure3. is a plan view of the same, Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 4 --4 of Figure 1,

" Figure 5 is a transverse 5-5 of Figure 1, I 1

Figurefi is an end elevationof the device, showsIection taken, on line ing thepholding member, in the open position, Figure 7 isa side elevation of the cleaning device, showingthe holding member in the closed position, and the locking clips applied vertically, ,Figures'8to 13, inclusive, are end elevations oi) difie'reritfonnsof flexible cores,

line' Iii-l6 of Figure 15,

the device, quickly and Figure 14 is a perspective view of the holding clip; '3 j i f Figure 15 is aside elevation ofa double cleaning device, i Figure 16 is a longitudinal section taken on Figure l'7is an end elevation of the cleaning device; showing the manner of flexing thecleaning element, I I I Figure 18 is a similar view showing 'a' further flexing'action, and, I I i Figure 19 isaside elevation illustrating the use of the cleaning device'in a corner; I f In the drawing,"wh'ereinfor the'purpose of illustration 'are shown preferred embodiments of the-invention, attention being called'flrst to Figures 1 to' 14 inclusive, the numeralZll designates a rigidhead, which maybe formed of Wood or other suitablematerial. 1 This head is elongated, straight; and rectangularjin cross-section. This head, is provided upon its lower face with a longitudinal groove 2|, receiving the upper edge of a relatively thin, suitably stiff; flexible, and resilient core '22. Thisfcore has its upper edge held inplace [within the groove 2| byany' suitable means," such as nails 23, passing through one side of the head, asfshown. Y The core 22is .pref

erably formed of sheet fibre, althoughother'suit able material may be employed. As shown in Figures 51 and 8, the core may comprise an, outer U-shaped portion 24, reinforced by an inner portion or sheet 25. In'Figure 9, the core is shown @aslbeingformed of two U-shaped portions 26,

disposed in contacting relation. in- Figure 10,

the "coreembodies a U-shaped portion 21, and

inner portions or sheets 28, having their outer 'ends bentlaterally and inwardly, as shown at 2 9.' "In Figure 11, the core is formed of oneU-shaped; portionfiill. The core may also'be formedof a "plurality of sheets 3| and 32,arranged in contactingrelatio'n, with the sheet 32,being,disposed innermost Figure l2.- In Figurefl3, the core is formed of a single sheet 33, which is'somewhat heavier. In all forms of cores, the same are suitably stiff, flexible and resilient, and they may beformedof fibre, as explained. I Mounted upon the top of the head 2llis aresilient holding member 34, formed of metal, or thelike. This member is generally U-shapedin cross-section and embodies a base 35, which is attached to the top of the head 20 byv screws 36, and sides 31. These sides are provided at-their lower "or freeedges, with inwardly bent jaws or flanges 38, disposed at substantially a right angle to the sides 31; as shown; The sides 31 are proof these U -shaped .clips may be .slightly flared,

outwardly, if desired, although this flaring may be omitted.

The sides 3'! carry clamping extensions 44, preferably formed from a rod or wire. These clamp ing extensions are rigid and are angularly dis posed and have shanks 45, which extend within, the sides 3'5 and are rigidly attached to the jaws or flanges 38 by spot-weldingor' thefllke.

The numeral 46 designates a cleaning. element,

which is compressible and flexible, and is preferably formed of sponge-rubbers, 'I'his cleaning element is preferably in the form of a square, which is important, as it permits of ga four-way application of the cleaning element to the rcore and head. Thecleaning' element ,is longer than the head and holding member 34, and projects outwardly beyond-the same, as shown. 7

In the application of thecleaningelement 4G to the core and head, the clips or clamps 43 are removed from the resilientholding member '34, and this, resilient holding member is so tensioned that its sides3'l will automatically move to an open position, as indicated in Figurefi. The sides 3'! must be slightly further opened'by the-fingers, before the ends of the cleaning-element may be passed beneaththe jaws' 38, thereof. One side 3'! is now slightly further opened,and'one edge of the cleaning element .46 is passed 1 beneath the jaw 38, and this side 31 is released,,the jaw 38 of such side engaging with ,thecleaning element and pressing the same against the core 22, sufficiently to hold this edgeaof the cleaning element into position, while the cleaning element is completely passed about the core 22, and its .opposite .edge, in a similar manner, placed beneath the jaw 38 of the,,companion side 31. Both sides being now released, theiaws 3.8 will hold the cleaning element against dis-- placement. It will be noted .that the cleaning element completely encloses thecore 22,, and extends longitudinally beyond the same for .a substantial distance, and the upper edgesof the cleaning element abut against vtheshouldersproduced by the head 20, upon opposite sides of the core. The sides 37 are now moved inwardly by pressing the same together by the hands or'thejllke, until they substantially engage with the sides of the head 20, at which time the holding clips or clamps are placed into position. These clips may be arranged horizontally Within the guide passages 42, Figure l, or theymay be arranged verticallywithin the guide passages 4| Figure 7. When the sides .31 are thus held in the inner or closed posi tion, the jaws SBbecome embedded in. the mates rial of the cleaning element, andthe clamp extensions 44 also become thus embedded. By having the jaws 38 and clamp extensions. .44 embedded in the material of the cleaning element, and spaced from its, free edges, these partswill not contact with the surface being cleaned.

The device thus described may be used without- .a handle, the operator grasping the head 20 in the hand. The cleaning element may be rubbed over the surface tobe treated, either transversely, longitudinally or diagonally. 'Ihecore will pere mit of the proper flexing of the cleaning element, which may have its edge or side moved over the desired surface, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1''! and 18.

Figure 19 shows how the device may be used in a corner.

In Figures and 16, I have illustrated a modification of the invention. In these figures, a head 29' is provided, corresponding to the head 20, but elongated. .Secured tothe ,intermediateportion of the head by'meansoia bolt 4:! or the like, are jaws 48, rigidly secured 'to a sleeve or ferrule -49 receiving one end of a handle 59. Two of the "holding members 34 are mounted upon the head 1B1, upon opposite sides of the sleeve 49, engaging with cleaning .elements 46, surrounding the cores '22. All'otherpartsof the device remain identical with those shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention. The outer clipsor'clamps 43 may be horizontally or vertically applied, while the inner clamps must be vertically applied, as shown. v

.. In view of the foregoing description, the operationsand use'of the second .form of the invention isthought to be obvious. I

- holding member mounted upon the rear edgeof the head and. formed generallyU-shaped in cross-sectionand having sides projectinglfor- Wardly beyond, the head,.,said sides being provided with inwardly, directed jaws to engage with the cleaning element, said sides being adapted to assume opened and closed positions and U- I, shaped clips for receiving the sides of the holding member to retain the same inthe closed position.

2. A cleaning devicecomprising a head, a core secured to the head and projecting forwardly beyond the same with the head projecting laterally beyond the core upon opposite sides of the core to form shoulders, a cleaning element to be mounted upon the core with its edges arranged adjacent to theshoulders, a resilient holding member mounted upon the rear edge of I the' h'ead' and formed generally U-shaped in cross-section and embodying resilient sides on opposite sides of the head and extending forw'ardly' thereof to a, less extent than said core andte'rminating in inwardly directed jaws, said sides being tensioned to moveoutwardly to assume open positions" which will require further opening movement of the sides for the insertion of the edges of the cleaning element beneath the jaws, said sides, being adapted to be shifted to a closed position and means to hold theresilient sides in a .closedposition when moved thereto.

3.]A cleaning device comprising a head, a core secured to the head for receiving thereon a flexible cleaning element, a holding member carried by the head and including oppositely arranged resilient sides having parts to engage with the cleaning element, said sides being adapted to assume opened and closed positions and being provided with means for forming guide. passages,

to v

- and generally U-shapedclips having] sides for insertion within the guide passages respectively,

with the cleaning element, said plates being 10 adapted to assume opened and closed positions and said side plates having guide passages respectively, and generally U-shaped clips having sides for insertion within the guide passages, said clips serving to hold the side plates in the closed position. a

5. A cleaning device comprising an elongated head,'a flexible core secured to the elongated head and extending throughout the major portion of the length of the head and projecting forwardly beyond the head, a flexible and compressible cleaning element folded about the core to, engage with opposite sides of the same and extending longitudinally beyond the core at the ends of the core, resilient plates attached to the head and arranged upon opposite sides of the head and core and projecting forwardly beyond the'head'for engagement with the cleaning element, said plates terminating inwardly of the free ends of the cleaning element, said plates being adapted-to assume opened and closed positions, clamping extensions carriediby the platesand projecting longitudinally beyond the same for engagement with the cleaning element and,

adapted to be embedded therein at pointsinwardly of the free ends of the same, and means to hold the resilient platesin the closed position.

6. A cleaning'device comprising an enlongated Y head provided upon its forward edge with a longitudinal groove, a core comprising a sheet of into and held within the groove, a cleaning element engaging the opposite sides of the core, a clamping device mounted upon the head and formed generally U-shaped in cross-section and including a base engaging the rear edge of the head and clamping side elements disposed upon opposite sides of the head and engaging the cleaning element and adapted to be moved to an .inner position, and means to retain theclamping elements in the inner position.

'7. A cleaning device comprising a head provided upon its forward edge with a longitudinal groove, a generally U-shaped core comprising a resilient sheet bent upon itself with the free edges of the sheet held within the groove, a

cleaning element engaging the oppositesides of the core, holding elements arranged upon oppojsite sides of the core and adapted to engage with the cleaning element when shifted'to a closed position, and means to retain the holding elements in the closed position.

8. A cleaning device comprising a head provided upon its forward edge with a longitudinal groove, a core comprising a U-shaped resilient sheet, a resilient reinforcing sheet arranged within the U-shaped sheet, all of said sheets having their free edges held within the groove, a cleaning element engaging the oppositesides of.

the core, and adjustable means for connecting the cleaning element with the head and holding the same into engagement with the core.

9. A cleaning device comprising a head pro vided upon its forward edge with alongitudinal groove, a generally flat core comprising a plurality' of resilient sheets, the free edges of the sheets being heldwithin the groove, a cleaning element engaging theopposite sides of the core,

gagement with the core.

- WILLIAM S. JOHNSON.

and means to hold the cleaning element in en- I 

